New Taqueria With More Than 2,000 Margarita Options Opens in the West Loop

A new taco and tequila bar with more than 2,000 margarita options opens today in the West Loop. Staff at Asadito, a “modern taqueria” from Barrel Aged Hospitality father-son team Art and Tyler Mendoza (Slightly Toasted, Little Toasted), are offering handmade tortillas and spit-roasted meats at 30 N. Clinton Street, just beside sister restaurant Slightly Toasted.

Asadito’s bright, 3,000 square-foot space includes low and high-top tables with chairs and stools, as well as ample seating along a long wooden bar. Light wood and white walls and tile give the space a fresh, clean sensibility, dotted with pops of teal, yellow, and colorful Christian art and iconography like a portrait of La Virgen de Guadalupe on the walls. The space from Siren Betty Design was created as a counterpoint to the darker aesthetic at Slightly Toasted, according to Tyler Mendoza. It also provides a more relaxed atmosphere than its often-crowded next-door sibling, he said, and features an 85-seat outdoor patio.

Meghan Leigh

The cocktail menu features eight margaritas both frozen and on the rocks, including “spicy strawberry” and roasted pineapple with basil. The bar’s comprehensive collection of mezcals and tequilas means bartenders can create over 2,000 specialized margarita options. Asadito also offers 10 house cocktails, including the “Masa Disciple,” (Oaxacan rum, roasted corn syrup, mezcal, lime) which Mendoza described as an “elote daiquri.” Staff roasts raw corn, shaves, and squeezes it to create roasted corn syrup for the drink. Diners can also expect two draft Mexican beers, a range of bottled and canned brews, and a handful of wine options. Non-alcoholic options like Mexican Coke, horchata, and Jarritos sodas are also available.

Staff make tortillas by hand with masa sourced in Pilsen, and stuff them with spit-roasted meats like chicken and pork. Taco selections include familiar favorites like al pastor (charred pineapple, cilantro) and carnitas (salsa verde, avocado). The menu also offers pozole (pork shoulder, corn, roja broth, hominy, radish, lime, cilantro, onion), as well as elote, guacamole, and churros with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. The full menu is available below.

Meghan Leigh

Mendoza is familiar with the West Loop thanks to the success of Slightly Toasted, and said he spotted a gap in the market for thoughtful, well-made tacos. Citing the dominance of corporate food operations (see: Chipotle), Mendoza said he knows workers and residents in the area want to eat well and appreciate food made with care. The restaurant offers counter service during the day and table service in the evening.

Asadito opens today in the West Loop.

Asadito, 30 N. Clinton Street, Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.